R&I Communications and Engagement Manager
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a communications specialist to join the organisation promoting the exciting and world leading work of our research and innovation (R&I) division at The Christie.
You will be an enthusiastic and creative communicator and have the responsibility for managing the Trust's research and innovation communications and engagement function. This includes promoting research activity across the trust and positioning it as a leader in cancer research and innovation as well as raising the profile of the Trust's research activity, highlighting the significant impact for patients and staff, through internal communications, media, staff engagement and stakeholder communications.
This is a strategic role which requires specialist understanding and skillset in research and scientific communications and information, alongside the ability to motivate and lead a variety of stakeholders. This is a new post and the postholder will play a key role in promoting and enhancing The Christie's image and research reputation as one of the leading comprehensive cancer centres globally.
You will be working within both the communications and R&I team and be line managed by the Senior Communications Manager with accountability to the Associate Director of R&I.
Main duties of the job
The purpose of this role is to manage the development and delivery of the strategic internal and external research communications strategy and plan that promotes the reputation of The Christie.
You will drive strategic development of research communications functions and channels to ensure they are modern, engaging and reflect best communications practice.
Day to day this will include giving communications advice and support to the R&I senior management team as well as Trust staff carrying out research, supporting them with the tools and materials they need to take a proactive, robust and professional approach to communications. You will also ensure appropriate research representation in internal communications such as Trust-wide communications planning, channels and outputs, as well as external communications such as newsletters, collateral, international conferences, online publications etc.
You will also liaise within the R&I division and across key stakeholders; ensuring that all elements in the division's communications strategy are effectively delivered, this includes inputting to the broader communications output across the Manchester Cancer Research Centre partnership (a partnership founded by The Christie, The University of Manchester, and Cancer Research UK).
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional responsibilities
Manage the development and delivery of the strategic internal and external research communications strategy and plan that promotes the reputation of The Christie.
Provide communications advice and support to the R&I senior management team, and act as a member of relevant groups/committees.
Keep up to date with Research & Innovation division and wider Christie developments in order to ensure appropriate research representation in internal communications such as Trust-wide communications planning, channels and outputs, as well as external communications such as newsletters, collateral, international conferences, online publications etc.
Work with the Trust communications team to deliver communications strategies that engage all internal and external stakeholders.
Offer expert communications advice to Trust staff carrying out research and support them with the tools and materials they need to take a proactive, robust and professional approach to communications.
Management the Trusts research and innovation communications function, working with the wider communications team to manage media relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, digital and social media channels for communication of Trust research activities.
Drive strategic development of research communications functions and channels to ensure they are modern, engaging and reflect best communications practice.Liaise within the Research & Innovation division and across key stakeholders; ensuring that all elements in the divisions communications strategy are effectively delivered, this includes inputting to the broader communications output across the Manchester Cancer Research Centre partnership (a partnership founded by The Christie, The University of Manchester, and Cancer Research UK).Evaluation and reporting
Provide reports and respond to ad hoc requests on the performance of R&I activities in relation to research impact, outputs, income, publications, partnerships etc.Present plans and programmes and credibly prove performance and results of marketing activity to the senior managers within the marketing and communications team and other senior managers as required.Develop KPIs and metrics to measure the performance of activity (reach and impact), and show value for money, using quantitative and qualitative research methods to inform future strategies.
Manage budgets for assigned projects and materials, securing value for money from suppliers.
Oversee supplier relationships to ensure delivery against agreed contracts, quality standards and timelines.
Other responsibilities
Identify, report and manage risk within areas of responsibility and where required, perform duties of an unpredictable nature.
Continuously develop the communications service to reflect the organisations evolving priorities and needs
Provide advice, support and training to new starters and colleagues involved in delivering communications
Represent the communications team at internal and external meetings, contributing to Trust-wide projects and building relationships with key partners
Act at all times in accordance with the Trusts values and behaviours, promoting a culture of respect, compassion and professionalism and being accountable for own attitude and behaviour.
The job description is not intended to be exhaustive and duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the postholder.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Educated to degree level in a scientific discipline
* Evidence of continued professional development and national best practice within the communications sector
* CIPR accredited
Experience
* Extensive experience in external communications, including media relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs and digital channels
* Research communications experience in a research or academic environment
* Proven ability to lead the development and delivery of insight-led communications strategies and plans that support organisational priorities
* Track record of working with journalists, political stakeholders and partners in a fast-paced environment
* Demonstrable experience of working in a complex organisation, ideally within the NHS, wider public sector or regulated environment
* Experience of evaluating communications activity and using insight to improve reach, quality and impact
* Experience of working in partnership with operational teams and senior stakeholders to develop effective communications solutions
* Experience of responding to difficult organisational situations
* Evidence of being exposed to and managing distressing or emotional circumstances
* Experience working within the NHS and/or charity sectors
Skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling content for external audiences and media
* Highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at senior levels and provide confident, strategic communications advice
* Skilled in managing media relations, including acting as a spokesperson, drafting statements and handling high-profile or sensitive enquiries Confident in leading the strategic use of digital and social media channels to reach external audiences effectively
* Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and complex stakeholder needs
* Design, film and desktop publishing software e.g. Canva, Illustrator, Photoshop
Knowledge
* Strong understanding of how to engage a wide range of stakeholders effectively across different settings and channels
* Knowledge of research funding and policy landscape
* Experience of commissioning and managing external suppliers such as writers, designers, photographers and videographers
* Good working knowledge of the NHS or wider public sector, including organisational structures and regulatory context
* Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and related legal and ethical considerations in communications
* Brand management
* Quantitative and qualitative research methodology
Values
* Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
Other
* Occasional need to work unsociable hours
* Willingness to travel to partner locations
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£47,810 to £54,710 a yearPer annum, Pro rata
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